A “Fast and Furious” culprit resigns from Justice Department

Gary Grindler, Attorney General Eric Holder’s chief of staff, has resigned from the Justice Department effective tomorrow. Grindler leaves after less than two years in that position.

Grindler oversaw the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which led “Fast and Furious,” the failed and criminally stupid “gun-walking” operation that allowed Mexican cartels to obtain hundreds of illegally purchased weapons. The DOJ’s Inspector General faulted Grindler for hiding the connection between Fast and Furious and the murder of a Border Patrol Agent from Holder and from the Department of Homeland Security. Whether Grindler actually did hide the connection from Holder is questionable. In any case, the IG recommended that Grindler be disciplined.

Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Committee investigating Fast and Furious, has singled out Grindler for criticism, stating that he “passed the buck to underlings” and failed to take charge of the department. Naturally, Issa greeted Grindler’s resignation with approval and said he expected more departures and/or discipline in connection with Fast and Furious.

The resignation most urgently required is that of Holder. He has been a terrible Attorney General in multiple respects, one of which I will write about soon.